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Florida State defense dominates Miami in second half a showdown becomes rout

Florida State has now played two top-10 teams over the course of 15 days. Clemson and Miami came away with 14 points apiece.

The Tigers like to air it out, and Tajh Boyd was held to 156 passing yards and intercepted twice.

The Hurricanes like to grind it out, and Miami was held to 83 rushing yards.

Few defenses in the country can adapt, neutralizing a team’s strength. No. 3 Florida State has done that this season. And on Saturday night, the Seminoles also held No. 7 Miami to just 192 passing yards in a 41-14 victory.

The biggest number? A zero, as in no points scored, by Miami after halftime.

The one exception to FSU’s defensive dominance this year, what motivates players to this day, is that Boston College scored 34 points. Even though FSU won that game, and that it happened more than a month ago, it’s a fact that players won’t shake.

It was also a reminder this week. Boston College loves to run the ball. Miami loves to run the ball, too.

“We had to prove a point,” FSU defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan said. “Boston College came out and did a great job against us. They came out and ran it down our throats. We have been working hard to show that’s not the team, that’s not the defense we are.”

Miami moved the ball early, scoring a touchdown on its first drive only to miss a field goal. The Hurricanes got a touchdown on the second drive to tie the game at 7.

Duke Johnson accumulated some yards early and finished with 97 yards on 23 carries before he left the game with an ankle injury in the third quarter. The problem was that Miami fell behind and could pass its way out of the deficit.

In the second half, Stephen Morris’ interceptions crushed the Hurricanes. He threw both into the middle of the field, and both times paid for the decisions as P.J. Williams and Nate Andrews picked him off.

The Seminoles struggled a year ago, grabbing just 11 interceptions in 14 games. It was a remarkably low number for a talented group of defensive backs. Through just eight games in 2013, FSU has 12 interceptions by seven different players.

Miami didn’t score a point in the second half. And that was reason for players to celebrate.

“It felt great because you knew that was a good team,” Williams said. “First half, they came out pretty good, they were fighting with us. The second half we shut them out.”